Deer In Reston Better Watch Out, Police Say

RESTON, VA — Reston deer, you're on notice: the cops have placed a target on your backs.

The Fairfax County Deer Management Archery Program kicked off this weekend, and up until Feb. 24, 2018, it'll be open season on local deer.

What is the Deer Management Archery Program? It began in fiscal 2010 and is aimed at reducing and stabilizing the white-tailed deer population in the county. Deer have been creating issues in Fairfax County in recent years due just being so abundant, resulting in more car crashes, the potential spread of diseases, and environmental damage.

"Because of its proven track record of safety, archery is a preferred deer management method in Fairfax County," Fairfax County Police said in a statement. "Archery is a compatible use with residential areas and community parks, allowing for deer population management in urban and suburban areas. Since Virginia began tracking hunting injuries in 1959, no bystanders have been injured by an archer hunting deer anywhere in the Commonwealth. Last year, 95% of the total deer harvests in the Fairfax County Deer Management Program were through the use of archery."

Parks will remain open to the public during the archery program. You might see the above florescent orange sign in a park where hunting is authorized.

"Harvest attempts will be accomplished from elevated tree stands; ground blinds are not permitted in county parks," the statement adds. "Tree stands must not be located closer than 100 feet from property lines or closer than 50 feet from established park trails. Archers are not allowed on private property without permission by the owner or tenant. Archers are approved to hunt at assigned sites Monday through Saturday during legal hunting hours, 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. No hunting is allowed on Sundays in county parks."

You can find out more about the program on the Fairfax County deer management website.

Image via Fairfax County Police